Technical communication has two meanings: the process of making and sharing technical information in the workplace a set of applications—the documents you write and the presentations you deliver Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 1

You have three roles as a communicator: the writer of a document a member of a project team an information resource for others Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 2

Technical communication affects your career: Companies say communication skills are important. Strong communication skills make you a more valuable employee. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 3

Technical communication has six main characteristics: It addresses particular readers. It helps readers solve problems. It reflects the organization’s goals and culture. It is produced collaboratively. It uses design to increase readability. It consists of words or images or both. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 4

Communicators use design features to accomplish three basic purposes: to make the document look attractive and professional to help readers navigate the document to help readers understand the document Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 5

perform five main functions: Images help the writer perform five main functions: to make the document more interesting and appealing to communicate and reinforce difficult concepts to communicate instructions and descriptions of objects and processes to communicate large amounts of quantifiable data to communicate with nonnative speakers Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 6

An example of technical communication Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2005 <www.mypyramid.gov/downloads/sp-MiniPoster.pdf>. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 7

An example of technical communication Source: Sage Software, 2009 <http://download.act.com/act2010/docs/act_usability_and_productivity_whitepaper.pdf>. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 8

An example of technical communication Source: Marathon Technologies, 2010 <www.marathon1.com/why_marathon_video.html>. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 9

There are eight measures of excellence in technical communication: honesty clarity accuracy comprehensiveness accessibility conciseness professional appearance correctness Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 10

honestly for three reasons: You must communicate honestly for three reasons: It is the right thing to do. If you are dishonest, readers can get hurt. If you are dishonest, you and your organization could face serious legal charges. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 11

Technical communication must be clear for two reasons: Unclear technical communication can be dangerous. Unclear technical communication is expensive. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's 12